Artist's Statement

WHAT IF...you could hold your heart in your hands? If everything you love and feel passionate about could be personified in a piece of art that reminds you every single day how much you are worth?

This is the direction I am taking in my work. I want you to see yourself in the way that I see you. Incredible. Beautiful in your own skin. Full of life and love, gratitude, and imperfect perfection. Think of the person you love more than anyone else in the world, how they look to you, how you can see them and all of their potential with wonder and amazement and compassion. Now turn these feelings on yourself. This is how I want you to feel. You are beyond amazing.

Just the Facts

I was raised in Denver, Colorado, in the shade of the gorgeous Rocky Mountains. At 21 years old, however, I needed a change of scenery. My best friend and I picked Portland, Oregon off of a map--sight-unseen--and hit the road. That was way back in 1997, and Portland is home now more than ever.

I graduated from Portland State University with a Bachelor's in Drawing, Painting, and Printmaking in 2002. At that time my daughter was only 2 years old. Like so many aspiring artists, I worked several restaurant and office jobs in the years to come until finally, in 2005, a friend offered me the opportunity to go into business with her and I jumped at the chance! I have been self-employed ever since, and I am proud to say that I am moving ever-closer to being a full-time artist.

I create original mixed media art, murals, commissioned art and design and more. My work is ever evolving and often even surprises me! My work is available here on my website and on Etsy.com. I have several shows a year and will shortly be showing most 1st Thursdays on my studio porch in Old Town (618 NW Flanders, Portland, OR).

Please feel free to contact me with any questions, commission requests, purchasing questions, or to make an appointment to visit my studio. leak@leakarts.com